The morning-after pill
Two types exist: levonorgestrel, effective up to 72 hours after sex, and ulipristal acetate (ellaOne), effective up to 120 hours. Both work best the sooner they are taken — effectiveness is highest within 24 hours and declines with time. Neither is 100% effective, and neither works if ovulation has already occurred, which is why the copper IUD is the more reliable option.
Weight matters: levonorgestrel is less effective above around 70–75 kg, and ulipristal is generally preferred in that case. Both are less effective if you are using certain enzyme-inducing medicines.
Where to get it
| Country | Access |
|---|---|
| UK | Available without prescription from pharmacies, and free from sexual health clinics, most GPs and — in England since late 2024 — from community pharmacies through the NHS. Free in Scotland and Wales. No age limit. |
| Ireland | Available from pharmacies after a short consultation, and free for those aged 17 to 35 under the free contraception scheme. |
| United States | Levonorgestrel is sold over the counter with no age restriction; ulipristal requires a prescription. Costs vary widely and some insurance covers it. |
| Canada | Levonorgestrel is available without prescription from pharmacies across the country. |
| Australia | Available from pharmacies without prescription following a pharmacist consultation. |
Emergency contraception is not an abortifacient: it works mainly by delaying ovulation and has no effect on an established pregnancy.
The copper IUD
Fitted by a clinician up to 5 days after unprotected sex, the copper IUD is the most effective form of emergency contraception, with a failure rate below 1%. It can then be kept as ongoing contraception for several years — which makes it the best option if you also want long-term cover.
Afterwards
A period more than 5 to 7 days late, or unusually light bleeding, warrants a pregnancy test. Use condoms until your next period, and consider starting or restarting regular contraception — a consultation at the same time is the simplest way to sort this out.
The law differs between countries
This topic falls under the same framework as contraception, whose main page carries a detailed entry for each of the twenty countries covered.